They’ve been engaging in a war of words all summer with the Gunners accusing the Blues of not playing by the rules in their efforts to tempt Ashley Cole across London, while Chelsea have countered that the rules are not applied fairly where Arsenal are concerned.

They were evenly matched last season, drawing at both Highbury and Stamford Bridge and although the balance of power has shifted to west London, Arsenal have historically had the edge in these matches.

This could well be another close one and the best strategy here might be to lay Jose Mourinho’s side. I fully expect the Portuguese manager to retain the title this season and he will want to land an early psychological blow in Cardiff.

However, his side will most likely be a little short in the betting, especially now that Patrick Vieira has moved on in what looks like a perfectly timed piece of business by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
The most interesting of the weekend’s Championship fixtures is on the south coast, where Southampton host Wolves.
Glenn Hoddle’s side put together a great run of form at the end of last season, earning them the Championship’s highest Index Trend value.

Hoddle’s visits to Southampton have always been a little fraught after the manner of his departure, but unlike when he went back with Spurs, this time both are in with a realistic chance of winning something.
This could be a tight game too, and with the Saints overrated in the market, it could be worthwhile to lay them.

Recommended bets
Lay Chelsea v Arsenal at 2.2 or less. Lay Southampton v Wolves at 1.9 or less